Another top-flight powerhouse could challenge United for the Aston Villa goalkeeper.
Another Premier League giant has reportedly been approached about joining Manchester United in the pursuit of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper’s future is uncertain due to PSR issues at the Villa Park club, as well as fears that they may violate Premier League rules until they make sales.
Martinez joined Villa in 2020 after leaving Arsenal, and he has since made 212 appearances for the West Midlands club.
He also starred after Argentina won the World Cup in 2022, which was hosted in Qatar during the winter.
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir’s performances have raised questions about United’s goalkeeping position.
So far this summer at Old Trafford, the focus has been on acquiring firepower at the top of the pitch following a dismal season in front of goal.
United have already signed Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million, while Brentford have rejected a second proposal for Bryan Mbeumo, who has expressed a desire to move to Old Trafford if he leaves the Bees.
However, another Premier League club has entered the competition to sign Martinez, perhaps keeping him in England’s top division.
According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Martinez for £45 million as the Villans look to balance their books.
The Stamford Bridge club is interested after both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen passed up opportunities to impress Enzo Maresca, who took Chelsea back to the Champions League in his first season in charge.
Willy Cabellero, Chelsea’s assistant manager, is thought to be a ‘big fan’ of Martinez.
United, however, will need to find a buyer for Onana if they are to sign a new number one goalkeeper, with the Cameroon international valued at £35 million.
If Martinez leaves Villa, his final appearance for the club will be in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, where he received a straight red card for fouling Rasmus Hojlund outside the area as the Danish striker went one-on-one.
Unai Emery’s side will play in the Europa League instead of the Champions League this season, missing out on a top five finish on goal difference to Newcastle United.
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